The American publication The National Interest in the article praised the modern Russian fourth-generation fighter MiG-35 manufactured by the Russian Aircraft Corporation, which can be classified as 4 ++. EDNews reports citing Bulgarian Military News.
The publication recalled that the MiG-35 is, in fact, the last member of the family of a twin-engine fighter MiG-29. It was based on the design of the MiG-29K.
The article says that modern 4 ++ generation fighters have a high degree of unification of the design, as well as aircraft systems, power plants, on-board electronics and weapons.
They are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including for the air defense of the naval forces, as well as achieve superiority in the air, the destruction of sea and ground targets at any time and in any weather conditions.
Airplanes of this generation use a more efficient aerodynamic design and lighter composite materials. In addition, the author noted the combat load and range of use of weapons, as well as increased fuel efficiency of the engine.
“Aircraft of generation 4 ++, in essence, try to squeeze as much as possible out of the characteristics of fourth-generation vehicles, increasing the combat load and range of use of weapons, increasing fuel efficiency of the engine and reducing radar signature due to the use of radar absorbing materials and / or paints “– the article says.
The publication especially emphasized thrust vector control: such an aircraft allows better control of the direction of exhaust gases, which increases maneuverability. The fighter not only throws out through the nozzle, but directs them, which allows for more drastic maneuvers.
The author also recalled rumors that the MiG-35 could be used for the use of laser weapons.
The article emphasizes that the fighter has good characteristics, and taking into account the controlled thrust vector, the MiG-35 is one of the best aircraft in the 4 ++ generation. However, the author noted that outside of Russia, the fighter is not particularly popular.
Also, the article recalls that Egypt had a certain interest in it, but preference was given to the cheaper MiG-29M.
The author assumes that the aircraft has a long way to go to take its rightful place, despite the fact that there are only two mass-produced fighters in the Russian arsenal.
